Awards/Press/Book Reviews
Clouds: love poems from above the fray by Jon Meyer
(Joshua Tree Press, 2022)
Awards
International Book awards
Winner, Poetry: Nature
Finalist, Interior Book Design
Feathered Quill Book Awards
Gold, Inspirational 2023
Silver, Poetry 2023
Reader Views Awards
Silver, Travel 2023
Bronze, Poetry 2023
Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
Winner, 2022
Next Generation Indies Awards
Winner, Gift/Specialty 2022
Finalist, Poetry 2022
International Independent Publisher Award (IPPY)
Bronze, Poetry 2022
Independent Press Award
Distinguished Favorite, Photography 2022
Eric Hoffer Award
Finalist, 2022
Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Award
Finalist, 2023
Press
Reader Views
Review by Susan Violante
Ekphrastic Review
Poetry and images from Clouds featured
Midwest book review
Review by Julie Summers, March 2022
Interview by Lori Shriver, March 2022
Guest post by Jon Meyer, April 2022
Travelingboy.com
Review by Richard Frisbie
GLOW Magazine
Review by N. Anzar
Featured Reviews
Review By Susan Violante, Reader Views
Clouds takes readers through a sensory journey that touches their mind and soul.
I am a fan of Jon Meyer’s work, so when I saw his latest book “Clouds: love poems from above the fray” I jumped on it!
In this new collection, Jon Meyer presents his poetry alongside pictures of the place that inspired it, complemented with fun facts about the place, picture, or the inspiration for the poem. What is new in this new collection is that Meyer went international and black and white!
The book is structured by country and region, featuring 10 countries, the US being the last one and including features from 9 states. Once again, I was captivated by the overall experience of the photography, poems and inside scoop pages. Except this time, the black and white pictures added a mystifying effect to the journey. My favorite places visited were Chile, Nepal, Norway, Israel, California, and Maine. What do all these places have in common? Clouds!
Meyer’s overall art is unique as his poems are elevated by the beautiful scenic pictures, taking readers through a sensory journey that touches their mind and soul. At the same time, Meyer gives us a backstage peek, which I found unique from other similar books, creating an enjoyable reading experience.
I give an example of Meyer’s poetry to share part of what I felt. One of my favorites is: ‘MY SHADOWS DISAPPEAR
A Chilean sundog is a beautiful natural sight. The inner and outer reflection across right and left pages completes a rare scene. This photo came from many photos I took in quick succession. Love’s sunlight can drive away shadows.
‘When the door to
Your home cracks
Open, the blinding
Sun makes all my
Shadows disappear.’
Beautifully displayed, with this poem the picture of the Chilean sundog sky spreads on both pages. The fun fact is on the first page and the inspiring prose is on the right-side page.
An impressive work, over four decades in the making, Jon Meyer gifted us again with astonishing beauty through “Clouds: love poems from above the fray.” It’s a five-star work of art and a must experience journey! I am keeping this book too!
Review by Mihir Shah, US Review
"The seeker asks
To open the
Door, but the
Lover knows the
Door was never shut."
Meyer's work is a call for awakening the individual's inner spirit, a rallying cry in the form of mind-numbing photographs and poetry that will aid in self-discovery. Though the panoramic series of meticulously crafted photos are in black and white, they burst from the seams with color and energy. As poet, photographer, and, of course, storyteller, Meyer takes readers on a journey across the globe, pausing momentarily to let audiences feel nature's awe in its every creation.
From the multi-angled shots of the Great Wall of China and its corresponding history over two millennia to flying Everest Air through the Himalayas, the Muktinath pilgrimage, and the deepest river gorge on the planet, Meyer's travel experiences are all-encompassing. They harness the energy of the universe to create and motivate, to bring life from the outside world so that the inside may experience harmony. Though the poems themselves don't exhibit a particular rhyme scheme, each packs a punch of inspiration that resoundingly conquers the false mental walls, be they made of fear, stagnancy, or something else, providing a glimpse of the "real."
Revolving his work around nature—in fact, the 2022 International Book Award poetry/nature winner—Meyer traverses the world, erasing doubt and uplifting spirits with his infinite energy, one destination at a time. More importantly, whether it's the Indian countryside or Italy's ancient stone pots, the storyteller projects humility, an understanding of how small humanity is against the world's majesty. Interestingly enough, the travel isn't limited to exotic destinations. On the contrary, the author digs deep and highlights not only the unfamiliar but also familiar locations like California's Walt Disney Concert Hall. Ultimately, Meyer's work is exhilarating and imbued with hope as it peeks through the clouds above all the chaos and commotion, immersing its readers in peace and harmony.
Love Poems From New England by Jon Meyer
(Brilliant Light Publishing, 2021)
Awards
American Bookfest “best book” awards
Winner, Poetry 2021
Finalist, Interior Book Design 2021
Finalist, Gift & Novelty 2021
Finalist, Photography 2021
THE NATIONAL REviewerS CHOICE AWARDS (READER VIEWS)
Winner, Poetry 2021
Feathered Quill Book Awards
2nd Place, Poetry 2022
3rd Place, Religious/Spiritual 2022
Finalist, Inspirational 2022
International Independent Publisher Awards (IPPY)
Bronze Award, Inspirational
Independent Publishers of New England Book Award
Finalist, Design 2021
International Eric Hoffer Award
Finalist, 2021
Independent Press Award
National Distinguished Favorite, Nature
International Next Generation Indie Award
Finalist, Poetry
Finalist, Gift Book
International Book Awards
Finalist, Interior Design
Featured Review
Reviewed by Susan Violante for Reader Views (02/2021)
“Love Poems From New England” by Jon Meyer is a poem and photograph collection presented in a beautiful and colorful hardcover book. The poems are short and grouped in the New England States that inspired the collection: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont. I have visited only three of them and can say that while reading those chapters I longed to be there again and, inspired by the States I have never visited, I wished that I had been there. Through the poems I traveled to those places, I felt myself transported by the words as my senses were awakened by the poems.
The photos also taken by the author gave my mind a real visual on what I was feeling. But the author’s presentation did not stop there, as he also includes an insight on how each poem and photo combination came to be part of his vision.
I have seen some of Jon Meyer’s previous work, so I am a fan. This new book only reaffirmed to me his amazing talent to take the reader from their couch to the beautiful place, moment and moment of reflection experienced by the author. It is really hard to pick a favorite to share. But below is one that resonated with me:
“No Record Keeping
There is no record
Keeping or scorecard
On the path to where
You live. Once there,
Past and future disappear.”
Author insight:
An idyllic road can encourage living in a moment devoid of striving or keeping score. Find a quiet path, and stroll along appreciating all the surrounding.”
The picture accompanying the poem is a quiet country road during the fall season somewhere in Connecticut.
“Love Poems From New England” by Jon Meyer is a Five Star work of art perfect for exhibition on every coffee table. I recommend all readers enjoy it on a quiet rainy afternoon with a cup of tea.
Reader Quotes
At the same time that the photographic visual images are guiding you on this outward journey, the quintain poems in this collection will encourage you to journey inward toward the light of a mystical merging with the Reality of the Universe. This inward journey prompts the traveler to examine her or his ability to express gratitude, to help others, and to live in the present. The poems focus on sensory images which link the inner realm with the external environment.
—Hugh M. Flick, J.D.; Ph.D.; Harvard Professor, then Yale University Dean (1988-2014), current teaching faculty/scholar at Yale on Indian Epics and Bhagavad Gita
Jon Meyer's brilliantly crafted Love Poems From New England resonates deeply amid the turbulent world and national events. His oblique visual and verbal imagery takes the reader on a beautiful photographic and spiritual journey around the region and gently provides insight into the connections and commonalities that we must fiercely and lovingly preserve.
—Charlotte Pierce; Former IPNE President; MPA & fellow, Harvard Kennedy School; author; TV producer
Meyers’ photographs provide a wonderful remedy for the residual homesickness that afflicts all exiles, a reminder for those fortunate enough to have been to New England and lovely introduction for those who have never set foot in the region. The author’s lyrical poems, too, serve as a remarkable healing balm for troubled hearts of every kind.
—Lynwood Shiva Sawyer, UK based best-selling author, screenwriter
I was charmed to see how Jon Meyer has brought his creative talents as a photographer and a poet together to reveal his epiphanies. After portraying Jon's creativity on Fictional Cafe, it was wonderful to learn he has coalesced these satori-like moments of inspiration between book covers. Look, read, feel, share.
—Jack B. Rochester; best-selling author; founder and editor-in-chief, Fictional Café
Love Poems From Vermont by Jon Meyer
(Brilliant Light Publishing, 2019)
Awards
The National Reviewers Choice Awards (Reader Views)
Best Poetry Book, 2019/2020
Best Regional Book, 2019/2020
Best North East book, 2019/2020
2nd Place in Travel/ Nature, 2019/2020
National Independent Press Award
Winner in Gift Book
Pinnacle national book award
Best in Poetic Photography, 2020
living now national book awards
Bronze in Gift/Specialty, 2020
Next generation indies
Finalist in Poetry, 2020
Independent Publishers of New England book awards
Finalist in Coffee Table and Art Books, 2020
Finalist in Design, 2020
Featured Review
Reviewed by Susan Violante for Reader Views (02/2020)
I knew I wanted to read “Love Poems From Vermont” by Jon Meyer as soon as I saw the book. It is a beautiful collection of pictures and poetry presented to readers in the perfect package.
I first thought the collection was about romantic love. It is not…and it didn’t disappoint! The poetry is inspired by true love; whichever way it chooses to manifest. The pictures, giving a visual to each poem, are all from different Vermont landscapes. The author not only pairs the right picture for each poem, he also adds a short backstory on how he found the right scene, took picture and what that place inspired. I loved this part, as sometimes he described the sounds, and other sensory feelings he experienced while he took the picture, transferring the experience to the reader. Some of my favorites are ‘Bloodhound,’ ‘World’s Riches,’ ‘Long After Departing,’ ‘Snow In Winter Snow,’ ‘Can Love Save The Planet?’ – Okay, they are all my favorites…
The author did an amazing job expressing an array of different ways we can experience love through short poems, visuals, and insight and inspires readers to reflect their own love experiences while enjoying the beautiful pictures as the words linger within. This is the only way I can describe my experience with this book…one book that I will keep. I will try to share the experience through the sample below, I wish I could have shared the picture too.
‘Our Hearts
Like magnets
Breaking free to join
With strength unstoppable,
Our hearts….
Cannot be held apart.’
Skyline and horizon picture insight on the poem from Meyer:
“The planet we live on has massive gravity that keep us grounded and prevents us from flying off into space. So do our hearts.”
“Love Poems From Vermont” by Jon Meyer is a beautiful Five-Star experience that will inspire the senses and feed the soul. It’s a highly recommended book of poetry and I can’t wait to share with my loved ones!
Reader Quotes
“Jon Meyer’s beautiful book of poems, photos and thoughtful reflections will awaken, inspire, and bring a deep sense of peace to readers everywhere. It was fascinating to see how the beauty of the images and the quietness of the words took me to many places I love, and brought both Rumi and Thoreau to mind….an unexpected pairing, but not such strange bedfellows, really.”
— REEVE LINDBERGH, VERMONT AUTHOR OF 29 ADULT AND CHILDREN’S BOOKS, DAUGHTER OF AVIATOR/AUTHOR PARENTS
“With words and images, Jon Meyer dives deep into the multifaceted and mysterious aspects of love. These short, plaintive poems that evoke the essence of divine love are as rich and colorful as Vermont maples on an autumn day.”
— RON HOLSEY, TV WRITER FOR PBS, BBC, HBO, EMMY AWARD WINNER
“Jon Meyer somehow managed to achieve the pitch perfect synthesis of original ideas expressed in the language of the heart. I loved reading it and absorbed the poems rather than memorizing them.….this will be the kind of book that sweethearts can give to each other without fear of embarrassment.It is also a treat to realize that amidst the increasingly insane shrill adversarial cacophony epitomizing contemporary America remain pockets of serenity and natural beauty.”
— AUTHOR AND SCREENWRITER, LYNWOOD SHIVA SAWYER, (BASED IN THE UK)
“Jon Meyer’s Love Poems From Vermont sets each five line poem in one of his gorgeous photographs of Vermont landscapes. The commentary on the facing pages takes us behind the artistic scenes, reminding us that photography and poetry, like the love he meditates on so sensitively, requires a great deal of attention and patience. This book is as wise as it is beautiful. ”
— LAURA C. STEVENSON, VERMONT AUTHOR OF 7 BOOKS AND MANY ARTICLES AND REVIEWS
“Jon Meyer has given us beautiful and inspirational food for mind and heart. Thank you so much for this so very personal effort of love . . .”
— BILL LEPAGE, AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR OF 6 BOOKS AND INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER
“Breathtaking photographs of our gorgeous little state, accompanied by penetrating, near-vedic text: if anyone knows a more rewarding way to spend some Vermont hours, please send me details as soon as possible!”
—SYDNEY LEA, VERMONT POET LAUREATE 2011-2015, AUTHOR OF 20 BOOKS, HAS WRITTEN FOR THE NEW YORKER AND NEW YORK TIMES
This collection of five-lined poems reads as a spiritual reward for Meyer’s courage to find a new vision beyond his mere sight. What he apprehends testifies to a transcendent view of life as an endless project of love. ”
VERMONT POET LAUREATE
“Meyer's quest for images led him on many adventures around Vermont, and his stories about some of these are mini treasures for the reader, as well.”
—PAMELA POLSTON, CO-FOUNDER, CO-EDITOR, AND ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, SEVEN DAYS